My Family

My Family

Oh my goodness, Emily, you look absolutely beautiful! Patricia exclaimed in amazement as she entered her daughters room.

Emily stood before the mirror, waiting for her best friend and part-time stylist, Sophie, to finish attaching her veil. The last few pins were tucked into place, and Emily turned to face her mother.

Do I really, Mum? Is it alright?

Perfect, sweetheart! Youre the most stunning bride, Patricia replied with a soft smile. Her own mother had said those same words to her once, long ago. It seemed almost every mother whispered those words to their daughter, seeing her in her wedding dress.

Finding the dress had been a drawn-out affair. Emily was particular about her clothes. Whether fashionable or not, or what anyone else thought, she cared only for what she herself liked. She had an excellent eye and a lovely figure, so no one ever dared suggest her clothing was anything less than impeccable. When it came to her wedding dress, Emily avoided fadsshe wanted something different, not the usual open-shouldered, puffy style. The consultants at the boutique were beside themselves. How could they please such a discerning bride? Eventually, Claire, the owner, stepped in.

I think I have just the thing for you, Claire said, disappearing out back, then returning with another garment bag. When she unzipped it, Emilys eyes widenedit was perfect.

Simple lines, no embellishments. Luxurious fabric. Emily spun, admiring her reflection. Without question, this was the one. It fit as though it had been made for her. No alterations needed.

What do you think?

Ill take it! Emily beamed.

Claire smiledjust the briefest touch of wistfulness flickered in her eyes before she shook it off. No need for this lovely girl to know shed originally ordered the dress for herself. But you cant marry without trust and love. If one is missing, the other wont last. Such is life.

Ive got a gorgeous veil thatll match this dress perfectly. Ill fetch it now.

Emily winked at her mum. I told you Id find just what I wanted, didnt I?

Patricia nodded, feeling a surge of happiness. Shed remember these days as some of the most joyful of her life. Patricia reminisced about her own weddingthe times were different then. You couldnt just walk into a boutique and buy any dress you fancied. Back then, you wore whatever the local shop had available, or you made one yourself. Patricias dress had been sewn by her mothers friend from the fabric and bits collected by cousins and aunts. It was stunning, but sadly, it didnt bring the happiness shed hoped for. She and her husband split when Emily was only two.

New loves, new passionsshe and Emilys father drifted apart. He promptly took care of child maintenance, of course. Not doing so would have given people the wrong impression. But anything beyond the formalitiesno interest. He refused all contact.

I dont want complications, hed insisted.

Patricia didnt argue. Sometimes, no father is better than one who doesnt care.

Shed tried introducing a new partner, hoping Emily might gain a father figure, but that didnt work out. The man Patricia lived with for just over a year had no time for children. He loved Patricia, but had no desire to parent her daughter. When he suggested Emily should go live with her father, Patricia quietly packed his things and sent him off.

Its alright, darling, well manage just the two of us. We dont need anyone else.

Emily didnt grasp it fully thenbut she knew her mother chose her, and that meant everything. Maybe thats why, as Emily grew into her teens and then an adult, she and Patricia never really clashed. For Emily, mum was always the closest person in the world.

Em, its time. Youll be late otherwise, Patricia said, gently straightening her daughters veil and kissing her forehead. Be happy, my girl.

Emily laughed and waved her hands.

Mum, if you start, Ill blub and Sophie will kill meshes spent ages doing my makeup so it doesnt look obvious, and now itll all run!

She hugged her mum and whispered, Ill do my best

The wedding day went by in a flash. Coming home to an empty house, Patricia closed the door and sat in the hallway. That was that. Emily would be moving in with her husband, James, to the flat Patricia had given themher mothers old place. James had nowhere of his own, and when the couple mentioned living with his parents, Patricia said nothing. That evening, after James had left, she handed Emily the keys.

You dont need to, Mumwe could rent Emily protested.

Youve planned everything already? Theres not much I need, love. I still work, Im fine. You two should live on your own, not in someone elses house.

Emily danced around the room clutching the keys. Oh, Mum, thank you! That brings my dream of a proper home just a bit closer.

A home?

Yes! A big, bright house, with enough room for everyone. At least three childrens rooms! Emily blushed, hugging her mum. Too much?

No such thing. As many as you want, as long as you and your little ones are healthy.

And I love that you understand

And I love that your children will have a young granny, Patricia laughed, kissing her daughters hair. A house, eh? Well, make it your own. Live how you want. Thats what matters.

Patricia didnt mention her exchange with Jamess parents the day before.

The engagement dinner was held at Patricias house. She was a wonderful cook, but it was just her and Emily most days, so big family meals were rare.

Jamess parents, Geoffrey and Barbara, seemed nice enough at first, but quickly Barbaras face soured as she prodded at the food.

Well, this isdifferent. Not quite what were used to, she sniffed.

Patricia raised her eyebrows. Her mothers baked salmon never failed, nor did her slow-cooked beef. Geoffrey quietly helped himself to seconds, clearly enjoying the meal.

Emily doesnt really cook, does she? Barbara said, nudging her plate aside. Well have to teach her everything. Its for the best shes moving in with us. Shell learn how to take care of James. Hes our only son, you see. And Emilys your only child?

Yes, she is.

And you raised her on your own? Without a father?

Thats just how things were.

A child needs a proper family. With no man in the house, I daresay it must have been hard for her to learn how to keep house, Barbara declared. Emily seems lovely, but its difficult for a girl without a father.

Patricia listened, quietly fuming as Emily nudged her under the tablekeep calm, Mum. Emily had warned her earlier: James was nothing like his parents.

Hes a good man, Mum. Youll see. Please dont be upset by whatever you hear

Patricia washed up in the kitchen, lingering until she heard Barbara approach.

Can we chat without the children?

Geoffrey loitered behind, his silence almost apologetic. He seemed uncomfortable with his wifes confrontational stance, but did nothing.

Patricia, Im worried about Jamesthis is the biggest decision of his life. I need to be certain all is as it should be. Ive questionsprobably too manybut only you can answer them.

Go on, then, Patricia replied, forcing herself not to interrupt. Early in her days as a practice manager, Patricia had learnt to simply let people talkthe more you listened, the more they revealed.

Emilys fatherwhats he like? Any serious illnesses? Why did you split? Was he a drinker, or otherwise unstable?

Nothing like that.

But, more specifically? Is there anything in your family history that might come out in the children? You, as a nurse, will surely know the importance

Patricia was on the edge of snapping, having endured enough of Barbaras interrogations. But before she could reply, Emily appeared in the doorway, eyes wide, giving her a silent signal to stop. She didnt know the details, but her look said it alltrouble was brewing.

Mum?

Yes, love, all done here. Ill get the tea on. Can you find the china set, please?

Patricia steadied herself. When Emily had left the room, she turned to Barbara.

Emilys family history is fine; if you need, I can provide any details you wish. I wont ask the same of youour children can decide their futures themselves. I understand your worries, but I hope they dont lead James to question his choices forever.

She handed Barbara the cake plate. Could you help? Lets not keep the youngsters waiting.

Geoffrey glanced at her with gratitude as they joined the others. Patricia made sure Barbara realised the conversation was over.

They didnt see each other again before the wedding. Emily and James had been working for years and paid their own way for everything. No need to ask the parents for help.

Two years later, Emily and James sold the flat Patricia had given them and bought a plot of land. Heavily pregnant, Emily, whod spent years reading about house-building, took charge like a site manager. The builders joked, but everyone listened to the lady of the house. Unsurprisingly, the house wasnt finished before the baby arrived, so after the hospital, James brought Emily and newborn Sophie back to Patricias.

Sorry to invade, but Emily and I both feel more at ease here for now, James said, carefully placing Sophie on Patricias bed.

You did the right thing, Patricia reassured him. Dont stand there hesitatingunwrap her, shell get too hot otherwise.

Im nervous, James admitted, frozen in place.

No needshes your daughter, nothing you do can harm her. Instinct, James. Youll see.

Patricia caught Emilys hand and whispered, Let him try on his own.

James excelled at his first bath and walk. Barbara came by the next day and tutted, This really isnt mens work, is it?

Old habits die hard, Patricia replied, giving James an approving nod. She didnt mention her own urge to take overevery grandmother wants to, forgetting that once she was just as clueless and scared.

Sophie grew strong and healthy. Soon theyd had their housewarming, and Emily began thinking about a second child. Then, trouble struck.

Mum, Sophie has a high temperature. Patricia gripped her phone tightly. Her daughter sounded on the verge of panica tone Patricia had never heard from her before.

Is it spiking?

Yesand not coming down.

Ring 999Ill be right there!

Patricia sped through town, praying nothing too serious was wrong.

Her prayers, however, seemed to go unanswered this time. The ambulance, resuscitation, two days of waitingdoctors doing all they could.

Emily stood like a statue outside the intensive care doors, where no one was allowed in. Patricia didnt try to drag her away, just brought her tea and sandwiches and urged her to keep her strength up.

James darted between work and hospital; Patricia hugged him when he looked ready to break.

Hold on, JamesEmily needs you strong or shell fall apart.

Barbara turned up shortly after Sophie was admitted. How did this happen? Is it genetic? Or an infection?

Barbara, enough, Patricia sighed, finally losing patience. Does it matter at this point?

Barbara glanced at Emily, slumped against the wall, James holding her hand and Patricia glaringfinally, she understood. Sorry, Barbara mumbled.

Sophie, thankfully, pulled through and immediately called for her mum. Once she was in a regular ward, Patricia breathed a sigh of relief. They could handle the rest.

A few days later, as Patricia prepared to leave after visiting, Emily stopped her.

Mum, waitJames is coming. We want to ask you something.

When she found out what they meant, Patricia closed her eyes in gratitude.

Mum, will you help us? Emily asked.

Of course, you didnt even need to ask.

Thank you, Emily sighed, relieved. With two little ones, and Sophie needing so much care, I cant do it alone

Youd manage fineyouve got a good husband, remember? Patricia replied, smiling at James, who was playing hide-and-seek under Sophies blanket.

Soyou dont mind moving in? James asked hopefully.

Moving in? Of course I do! Patricia replied, teasing. But Ill come. Just for a whileuntil Sophies well. You can call me a seasonal worker.

Mum!

What? I couldnt think of another way to put it. I know you need help, but living together permanently isnt right. It should just be for a bit, while you need me.

Id love it if you were always near

I always am, sweetheart. Ill help whenever you need, but youre your own family. Thats how it should be. Help is one thing; living in is another.

Back home, Patricia had just started packing when the phone rang.

Patricia? Isnt it odd? Why you? Barbaras tone was sharp as ever. Surely Id be more useful. I know far more about children, and my times my own.

Thats not for me to decide, is it? My job is to help when asked, Barbara.

James didnt even want to discuss it! I dont know what youve done for him to choose you over his own mother! Its not right!

Maybe you should ask him, not me?

Youre impossible to talk to. You should refuse, say youre too busy.

Barbara, really? When did you last visit Sophie?

Whats the point? Youre always there first. Cant even bring her a meal, youve sorted it already.

Theres your answer. Sorry, I have to go. Goodbye.

Patricia put the phone down, lost in thought. Its so easy to fracture the fragile peace of a family. Rebuilding is another thing entirely. Barbara might never realise, but Patricia didfar too well.

Three years later

Granny Patricia, are you taking me to ballet today, or will it be Granny Barbara?

Me today. Granny Barbaras off to the park with William. Mummy has work.

So Im having lunch with you?

Thats right.

Brilliant! Will you make those special scones again? Like last time?

You liked them? Then I will. Patricia glanced in the rear-view mirror at Sophie buckled into the car seat.

Granny?

Yes, my love?

Are we going to the zoo at the weekend with you, or with Granny Barbara?

Both. And Grandpa, too. He could use a walk.

And will you buy me balloons?

And ice creammaybe even candyfloss.

Great! Sophie grinned. But can William have a balloon too, please?

Of course! Patricia said.

Granny

What is it now?

Can I tell you a super big secret?

Of course you can.

Im going to have another brother or sister soon.

Patricias eyebrows shot up in surprise. So thats itEmily had been looking a bit more mysterious lately. She hadnt said anything, but ever since Patricia had refused to move in with them, insisting instead on helping as needednow with both grannies involvedEmily had confided in James first, not her mum. That was alright, though. Their family had to weather plenty of storms and misunderstandings, but together theyd figured things out. Everyone had to compromise; everyone learnt when to keep quiet; childrens wellbeing always came first. In the end, both Sophie and William had two loving grannies and a wonderful granddad.

How do you know this? Patricia asked softly.

Mum and Dad were whispering last night. I pretended to be asleep. Granny, can I wish for a sister?

Why do you ask?

Because if a brother comes, he might feel sad that I didnt wish for him

Patricia smiled. What a kind-hearted child.

Soph, do you love William?

Loads!

So, if you have another little brother, youll love him too. And hell love you. Wont you?

I will!

Lets wait until the doctor tells us who youre expecting, alright? And did you know something?

What?

I always wanted a brotheror two, even.

Really?

Truly.

Alright then. Sophie turned in her seat to rearrange her favourite toysa rabbit from Granny Patricia and a bear from Granny Barbara. Ill look forward to a brother as well.

And do you know what else? Patricia turned down the street where Emily and James lived. Its like a Christmas presentyou dont know what youre getting until you unwrap it.

Have you bought my present for Christmas already? Sophie asked, a twinkle in her eye.

For Christmas? Not yetits too early. For your birthday, though, I have. Want to know a secret?

Yes!

Granny Barbara has got you something toobut Im not telling you what!

Oh, thats not fair! Sophie sulked.

Dont pout, darling. Your birthdays not far away. Youll soon find out.

Alright, Sophie sighed, grabbing her rabbit as she made a dash for the garden gate.

Patricia fetched the swim bag from the boot just as Barbara approached, William on her hip.

Hello, Granny!

And hello to you, my dear! Barbara replied, smiling. Were off for a stroll.

And were off to ballet. Just a quick change first.

Patricia watched them: Sophie chatting away to Barbara, William nestled into her grandmothers arms, and she thought about how, in the end, things were both so complicated and so simple. Loving those around you isnt difficult. Listening, truly listening, and caringknowing youre wanted and needed, and wanting others*that* is what being a family is all about.

And thats worth everything.